Message from the President

After a seemingly-endless winter, spring finally arrived to brighten the Port Lands. The long-dormant lilac bushes, magnolias and cherry trees came alive in vibrant blossoms of delicate pinks and whites and bolder purples and leaves of electric green. Toronto is even more beautiful than usual in the springtime.

This sudden burst of nature’s activity is a reminder that there’s a lot going on both in the Port Lands, and in Toronto as a whole these days.

City Councillors recently voted to support Mayor Tory’s “hybrid” proposal to keep the Eastern section of the Gardiner Expressway, yet remove some unnecessary ramps on land that could be redeveloped. Love it or hate it, the Gardiner is vital to the economic health of Toronto, and many TPLC tenants depend upon it to move goods to market. I believe the hybrid option appears to be a workable solution.

The City of Toronto may soon undergo some other major infrastructure changes, thanks to Mayor Tory’s proposed SmartTrack rail plan. SmartTrack could make the Port Lands even more accessible by transit. And there’s a lot of talk of turning nearby 21 Don Roadway (once home to the Unilever plant) into a major transit hub. This project from First Gulf could mean billions of dollars in employment income growth and new revenues for all three levels of government. It’s very exciting.

Speaking of excitement, the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games are coming to town, and I’m pleased to report that TPLC is a Proud Supporter sponsor of these extraordinary events. Toronto will host athletes, volunteers, supporting staff and sports fans as well as journalists from every corner of the Americas. I’m sure they will return home with many wonderful memories of the time they spent in our great city.

Now is the time to proudly cheer for Canada at the TO2015 Games, appreciate Toronto’s natural scenery while enjoying a wonderful breakfast at Cherry Street Restaurant or maybe even quaff an after-work beverage with colleagues at the Keating Channel Pub and Grill.

The Port Lands look forward to welcoming you soon!

– Michael Kraljevic, TPLC President and CEO

Toronto Port Lands Company is an operating company created in 1986 as an arm's length, self-financing Ontario Business Corporation with the City of Toronto as its sole shareholder. We report to a Board of Directors, adhere to corporate best practices and provide a financial dividend to the City.